Labor Relations Specialist

Job Summary Reporting to the Director of Labor Relations, the Labor Relations Specialist provides research, analysis, and guidance to ensure the fair and consistent application of labor policies and agreements. The Specialist supports the university’s labor relations function by assisting with contract administration, grievance handling, labor negotiations, and compliance with collective bargaining agreements. Responsibilities Assist in interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) for all university bargaining units. Provide guidance to managers and HR Business Partners on contract provisions, labor rights, and university policies. Draft and review contract proposals, counterproposals, and settlement agreements. Track and analyze labor contract changes, grievances, and arbitration decisions to ensure compliance with agreements and legal standards. Ensure adherence to federal and state labor laws, including NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and TitleVII. Support the Director in responding to grievances, including conducting fact‑finding, gathering documentation, and preparing case materials. Coordinate grievance hearings and maintain accurate records of grievance proceedings and resolutions. Assist in preparing written responses for arbitration cases and labor disputes. Collaborate with university legal counsel and state agencies as needed for case preparation and dispute resolution. Compile, generate, and distribute data and reports in compliance with union‑employer information exchange provisions of the collectively negotiated contracts and other information requests. Conduct research and benchmarking analysis to support collective bargaining negotiations. Prepare reports, presentations, and summaries of labor relations trends and bargaining positions. Attend negotiation sessions as needed, assisting with note‑taking, contract drafting, and follow‑up actions. Assist in developing and delivering training programs for supervisors and managers on labor relations best practices, contract interpretation, and performance management. Help maintain training materials and resources related to labor laws, dispute resolution, and workplace rights. Serve as a liaison between HR, management, and union representatives to address day‑to‑day labor relations issues. Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders to foster open communication and positive labor relations. Support labor relations audits, workforce data analysis, and reporting on key labor trends and issues. Maintain labor relations records, case files, and documentation. Stay current on labor relations trends, case law, and best practices in the public sector and higher education. Perform other duties as assigned. Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time. Qualifications Required: Bachelor’s degree in labor relations, human resources, public administration, or related field. Required: Minimum of three (3) years experience in labor relations, human resources, or related field with exposure to CBAs and employment law compliance. Required: Strong research, analytical, and problem‑solving skills. Required: Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels. Required: Proven leadership experience, including managing and developing labor relations teams. Required: Knowledge of federal and state labor laws, including NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, TitleVII. Required: Willingness to travel to off‑campus meetings. Required: Ability to work flexible hours and maintain a strong physical presence on campus; some remote work flexibility is available. Preferred: Master’s degree in organizational development, human resources, business administration, or related field. Preferred: Experience in higher education, preferably a public institution. Preferred: Experience in a unionized environment. Preferred: Experience with Workday HCM. Preferred: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and ability to quickly learn new applications. Benefits Salary Range: $90,000.00 – $115,000.00 annually. The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. Some remote work flexibility is available. EEO and Title IX Statements Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity. Montclair State is required by TitleIX and 34C.F.R.106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities. #J-18808-Ljbffr